WASTE collection services were labelled a "joke" and a "damn disgrace" by disgruntled residents.

Two Walney neighbours joined forces this week to criticise FCC Environment for their repeated problems with the service after more delays to bin collections.

The firm is set to welcome new members to the Garden Waste Club after shutting its books weeks after the launch in April, leaving many residents around the town unable to dispose of their green waste.

The club costs £35-per-year, and many residents have been left frustrated about the service.

Doug Martin, of Black Butts Lane, said: "We had problems with the first couple of collections and this week again has been total chaos.

"I've tried calling the council about it but they just say it isn't their problem. It's a damn disgrace.

"On the letter FCC sent out it has a phone number on and when you do get through you just get a recorded message. Nobody ever answers it. It's just a joke.

"These comedians shouldn't be talking about more members until they can cope with the ones they've got at the minute."

Rosemary Mason, of Plymouth Street, Walney, also hit out after the delays left bins "cluttering the streets."

She said: "We leave our bins out for collection but the last couple of times they've been left there for days without being emptied.

"The state of the streets around here are bad enough as it is with all the weeds and rubbish lying around, now we've got bins there too cluttering the streets.

"We accepted the fact that there'd be teething problems at the start but their system just isn't working.

"It's now the time of year when people are out in their gardens and the bins will be filling up."